Mark 13:29

KJV

So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, [even] at the doors.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3779} ye {G5210} in like manner {G2532}, when {G3752} ye shall see {G1492} these things {G5023} come to pass {G1096}, know {G1097} that {G3754} it is {G2076} nigh {G1451}, even at {G1909} the doors {G2374}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you are to know that the time is near, right at the door.

Berean Standard Bible

So also, when you see these things happening, know that He is near, right at the door.

American Standard Version

even so ye also, when ye see these things coming to pass, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:29 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, serving as a direct application of the preceding parable of the fig tree. Here, Jesus instructs His disciples that just as the budding leaves of a fig tree indicate the imminent arrival of summer, so too will the signs He has enumerated signal the drawing near of the consummation of prophetic events, including His own return. This verse emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment and watchfulness, assuring believers that the unfolding of these predicted signs serves as a clear indicator of the proximity of the "end."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 13:29 immediately follows the parable of the fig tree in [Mark 13:28](/mark/13-28 "Mark 13:28 - The Parable of the Fig Tree"), which provides a natural analogy for understanding the timing of the "end things." This parable, in turn, is presented after a detailed exposition by Jesus concerning various signs that will precede His glorious return. These signs, outlined in [Mark 13:5-27](/mark/13-5-27 "Mark 13:5-27 - Signs of the End"), include the destruction of the Temple, widespread deception, wars, natural disasters, persecution of believers, the preaching of the Gospel to all nations, and significant cosmic disturbances. The overall discourse is a response to the disciples' questions about the timing of the Temple's destruction and the signs of Jesus' coming and the end of the age, as recorded in [Mark 13:4](/mark/13-4 "Mark 13:4 - Disciples' Question"). Thus, verse 29 serves as a concluding interpretive key, urging the disciples to connect the observed signs with the certainty of the prophetic fulfillment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Olivet Discourse was delivered by Jesus on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Temple in Jerusalem, a site pregnant with prophetic significance. The disciples' initial question regarding the Temple's destruction (foretold in [Mark 13:2](/mark/13-2 "Mark 13:2 - Prophecy of Temple Destruction")) would have resonated deeply within their Jewish understanding of God's dwelling place and the center of their worship. The "signs" Jesus describes—wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution—were not unfamiliar concepts in the volatile Roman-occupied Judea of the 1st century, though Jesus predicts their intensification and specific alignment as indicators. The agricultural imagery of the fig tree would have been immediately understandable to His audience, who lived in an agrarian society where seasonal changes were intimately observed and understood as reliable indicators of future conditions. This cultural familiarity with natural cycles grounds the abstract concept of prophetic fulfillment in a tangible, relatable reality.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:29 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores the **Discernment of Signs**, emphasizing that believers are not to be ignorant but are to actively observe and interpret the unfolding of prophetic events. Jesus provides these signs not for fear-mongering or date-setting, but for informed watchfulness. Secondly, the phrase "nigh, even at the doors" highlights the **Imminence of the End** once these signs begin to manifest. It conveys a sense of urgency and certainty regarding the proximity of the culmination of God's redemptive plan, encouraging a posture of readiness. This imminence is not about a precise timetable but about the undeniable progression of events. Lastly, the verse reinforces the **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**. Just as the natural cycle of the fig tree reliably predicts summer, so too will Jesus' words concerning the end times be fulfilled with absolute certainty, affirming the divine authority and truthfulness of His pronouncements, a theme also echoed in [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Shall Pass Away").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb means "to see" literally or figuratively, and by implication, "to know." In Mark 13:29, it signifies not merely a casual glance but an attentive observation and understanding. The disciples are called to perceive and comprehend the significance of the "these things" (the prophetic signs) as they unfold, leading to a confident knowledge of what is approaching.
* **come to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, this word means "to cause to be," or reflexively, "to become" or "come into being." It speaks to the active manifestation or occurrence of the predicted events. The signs are not static concepts but dynamic realities that will actively "happen" or "unfold," confirming the progression towards the end.
* **nigh (Greek, _engýs'_):** From G1451, this adverb means "near" or "close," whether literally in terms of place or figuratively in terms of time. Its use here conveys the immediate proximity of the "it"—the culmination of the prophetic events. The addition of "even at the doors" further intensifies this sense of being right on the threshold, emphasizing that the final events are not far off once the signs are observed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So ye in like manner,"**: This phrase directly links the disciples' understanding to the preceding parable of the fig tree. Just as one naturally interprets the budding of a fig tree as a sign of summer's nearness, so too should the disciples apply this same principle of observation and deduction to the prophetic signs Jesus has described. It calls for a logical and perceptive response.
* **"when ye shall see these things come to pass,"**: This clause establishes the condition for the "knowing." The "these things" refers to the specific signs and events detailed earlier in the Olivet Discourse (e.g., wars, famines, cosmic disturbances, persecution). The emphasis is on the actual manifestation and unfolding of these events, not just hearing about them. The command is to observe them as they occur.
* **"know that it is nigh, [even] at the doors."**: This is the imperative conclusion. Upon observing the predicted signs, the disciples are to "know" with certainty that "it"—the culmination of the age, the coming of the Son of Man, the end of the prophetic timeline—is "nigh." The phrase "even at the doors" is an idiomatic expression that vividly portrays extreme proximity, suggesting something or someone is right on the threshold, about to enter. It conveys an urgent sense of immediacy and certainty once the signs are in motion.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:29 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Analogy**, as the verse explicitly draws a parallel ("in like manner") to the natural process described in the parable of the fig tree. This grounds the abstract concept of prophetic timing in a tangible, easily understood natural phenomenon. This analogy functions as a **Simile**, comparing the recognition of prophetic signs to the recognition of seasonal changes. Furthermore, Jesus uses powerful **Imagery** with the phrase "nigh, even at the doors." This vivid picture of something or someone standing right at the entrance heightens the sense of immediate proximity and impending arrival, creating a strong visual and emotional impact. The entire discourse, including this verse, is an example of **Prophecy**, as Jesus reveals future events and their indicators, serving as a divine disclosure of God's sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:29 is a profound statement on divine providence and human responsibility. It assures believers of the certainty of God's prophetic word, demonstrating that just as natural laws operate predictably, so too will God's sovereign plan unfold according to His revealed will. The "knowing" Jesus speaks of is not mere intellectual assent but a confident understanding born from observing the signs, leading to a life of watchful readiness rather than passive waiting or fearful speculation. This verse underscores the importance of spiritual discernment in the "last days" and calls the church to a posture of active expectation and faithfulness, understanding that the Lord's return is not a distant, abstract concept but a nearing reality once the prophetic indicators begin to appear.

* [Matthew 24:32-33](/matthew/24-32-33 "Matthew 24:32-33 - The Parable of the Fig Tree and Its Application")
* [Luke 21:29-31](/luke/21-29-31 "Luke 21:29-31 - The Parable of the Fig Tree and Its Meaning")
* [James 5:7-8](/james/5-7-8 "James 5:7-8 - Patience Until the Lord's Coming")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:29 serves as a profound call to spiritual alertness and discerning engagement with the world around us. It challenges believers to move beyond a passive understanding of prophecy to an active, watchful posture. Rather than encouraging fear or obsessive date-setting, this verse fosters a healthy sense of urgency and readiness. We are to be like wise stewards, recognizing the "season" of God's unfolding plan, not to predict the exact moment, but to live purposefully in light of His certain return. This means living with a renewed commitment to holiness, evangelism, and justice, ensuring our lives reflect the values of the kingdom that is drawing near. The signs are not meant to terrify but to awaken us to the reality that our redemption draws nigh, motivating us to be found faithful and actively engaged in the Lord's work until He appears.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the analogy of the fig tree help you understand the concept of prophetic signs and their timing?**
* **What specific "things" or signs do you observe in the world today that might prompt you to "know that it is nigh"?**
* **How does the knowledge that "it is nigh, even at the doors" impact your daily priorities and spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what ways can a focus on prophetic signs lead to healthy watchfulness versus unhealthy speculation or fear?**

### FAQ

**What "things" is Jesus referring to when He says, "when ye shall see these things come to pass"?**

Answer: Jesus is referring to the various signs and events He detailed earlier in the Olivet Discourse, specifically in [Mark 13:5-27](/mark/13-5-27 "Mark 13:5-27 - Signs of the End Times"). These include the destruction of the Temple, the rise of false Christs and prophets, wars, famines, earthquakes, the persecution of believers, the global preaching of the Gospel, and cosmic disturbances like the darkening of the sun and moon. These are not isolated events but a sequence of indicators that collectively point to the approaching culmination of the age and His glorious return.

**Does "nigh, even at the doors" mean we can know the exact day or hour of Christ's return?**

Answer: No, this phrase emphasizes the *proximity* and *certainty* of the events once the signs begin to unfold, but it does not provide a precise timetable. In fact, Jesus explicitly states in [Mark 13:32](/mark/13-32 "Mark 13:32 - No One Knows the Day or Hour") that "of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." The purpose of the signs and the "nigh" declaration is to encourage watchfulness and readiness, not to enable date-setting. It's about recognizing the season, not pinpointing the exact moment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:29, though part of an eschatological discourse, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the predictor of these "things" but the very subject of their culmination. The "it" that is "nigh, even at the doors" ultimately refers to the establishment of His eternal kingdom and His glorious second coming, as described in [Mark 13:26-27](/mark/13-26-27 "Mark 13:26-27 - The Coming of the Son of Man"). Jesus, the Son of God, is the one through whom all prophecy is initiated and brought to fruition. His first coming inaugurated the "last days" (as seen in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), and His promised return will bring about their consummation. Therefore, when believers observe the signs, they are not just seeing abstract prophetic events, but the unfolding of the divine plan centered on the triumphant return of their Lord, Jesus Christ, who will gather His elect and establish His righteous reign, a hope beautifully articulated in [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus' Promise to Come Quickly").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

1 Peter 4:17

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:37

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Ezekiel 7:10

Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.

Ezekiel 7:12

The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof.